Vets, Kids, The Population at Large and Stigma: "Walking the talk"

Untold numbers do not seek help with their symptoms of mental illness. Returning Vets from the Iraq war are especially at risk for PTSD. Thousands (some say over 4,000) have taken their own lives. Why isn't this added to the official death toll? We know so many of them are not seeking help because of the stigma associated with mental illness.

Why can't people accept the fact that something is wrong with the brain, just another organ? The number of suicides is unacceptably high in unipolar depressives and among those with bipolar disorder as well.

It is said mental health awareness is increasing, but where is walking the talk? Where is putting your money where your mouth is for veterans. The treatment the military has provided so far is shameful. I know there are military and government leaders who want to change that. There is a bill before the Senate right now that would improve access to veterans who live in rural areas (as well as other issues affecting the mentally ill).

Mental health care and the cost of its destruction is in the billions. Usually people pay attention to money if not the suffering of millions of people. Mental illness is increasing dramatically. One in four families will be touched by a member who is mentally ill.

It is time we "walked the talk," making mental illness no shame. It is time for education about this epidemic. The mentally ill, their families, friends, and employers deserve understanding.